Utah Hydro Project Ditches License for Simpler Exemption Ride
Published Date: 5/23/2025
Notice
Summary
PacifiCorp wants to give up its license for the Pioneer Hydroelectric Project in Utah and switch to a simpler conduit exemption. This change affects local communities and environmental groups, who have 60 days to share their thoughts or get involved. No big money changes are mentioned, but the decision could impact how the project is managed on federal land.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
License Surrender; Conduit Exemption Request
PacifiCorp filed an application on September 10, 2024 to surrender the license for the Pioneer Hydroelectric Project and obtain a conduit exemption. If approved, specific facilities (an intake; a 75-inch-diameter, 5.5-mile-long flowline; a 27-foot-high by 35-foot-diameter surge tank; a 6-foot-diameter, 4,564-foot-long steel penstock; a 3,000-foot-long tailrace canal; and appurtenant facilities) would be removed from Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jurisdiction, while a brick powerhouse with two generating units totaling 5 megawatts would remain under FERC jurisdiction.
No Construction or Ground Disturbance
PacifiCorp says the proposal would not involve any construction, modification, deconstruction, or ground disturbance and that the project would continue operating as it currently does. That means the water supply system facilities would remain in place and operational while the licensing status is changed.
Public Comment and Intervention Window
Members of the public, agencies, Tribal members, and others may file comments, protests, or motions to intervene in this proceeding. The notice sets a deadline of 60 days from the issuance date of the notice to file initial comments, and reply comments are due 105 days from the issuance date.
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Key Dates
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